New COSAFA Executive Committee Confirmed at Harare Congress

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has confirmed its new Executive Committee following elections conducted during the COSAFA Congress held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sunday.

The election process was conducted by the COSAFA Electoral Committee in accordance with Article 15.3 of the COSAFA Statutes and the COSAFA Electoral Code.

Botswana Football Association president Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng was confirmed as the new COSAFA President, while Alfred Randriamanampisoa of Madagascar was elected Vice-President.

Zambia’s Brenda Kunda was confirmed to the Executive Committee Reserved Women’s Seat.

The ordinary Executive Committee Members confirmed are Lijane Nthunya of Lesotho, Nqobile Magwizi of Zimbabwe, Robert Shimooshili of Namibia and Peter Simelane of Eswatini.

South Africa had initially fielded Linda Zwane for the position of Executive Committee Member but later withdrew the candidature ahead of the vote. As a result, all ordinary Executive Committee Member candidates were uncontested and were duly confirmed by acclamation, together with all other positions.

Following the elections, SAFA’s Linda Zwane and Angola’s Irene Gonzalez were co-opted onto the COSAFA Executive Committee.

The new leadership takes office at an important period for regional football, with COSAFA continuing to strengthen competitions, youth development, women’s football and institutional cooperation across Southern Africa.

Speaking after his confirmation, newly elected COSAFA President Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng expressed gratitude to the Member Associations for the confidence placed in the new leadership.

“This is a responsibility we accept with humility and commitment. COSAFA has made significant progress over the years and our duty now is to continue building stronger structures, stronger competitions and greater opportunities for football development across the region,” he said.

“We want COSAFA football to continue growing both on and off the field, while strengthening unity among our Member Associations.”

Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi, who was confirmed as an Executive Committee Member, described the outcome as a positive step for regional football cooperation.

“This Congress has once again demonstrated the spirit of unity and shared purpose that exists within Southern African football,” said Magwizi.

“We congratulate the new COSAFA leadership and reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to working together with all Member Associations for the growth of the game in our region. Regional cooperation remains critical in developing football, creating opportunities for young players and strengthening our institutions.”

The Harare Congress brought together football leaders from across Southern Africa and the African continent, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe, as discussions focused on governance, development and the future of football in the region.

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